Teixeira & Nacho setting sights on Liverpool first team

Following the success of academy graduates Raheem Sterling and Suso this season, the young pair hope to also be handed an opportunity by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers

EXCLUSIVEBy David Lynch

Liverpool youth duo Joao Carlos Teixeira and Nacho have spoken of their desire to make a first-team breakthrough following the recent success of Raheem Sterling and Suso.

Sterling and Suso were promoted immediately to the Reds' first XI following the summer arrival of manager Brendan Rodgers and have largely impressed in the Premier League this term.

And Teixeira, who joined the Reds from Sporting Lisbon in January 2011, believes the pair's graduation from the academy is proof that young players can make it at the club.

He told Goal.com: "We saw [Suso and Sterling] go into the first team and we’re working every day to do that and training hard. We hope one day we’ll have our chance."

Nacho, a July 2011 acquisition from Albacete, echoed his team-mate's sentiments, but insisted that playing well for the Under-21s is his first priority.

He said: "First we need to work in our team as we are doing and then when you do really well in your team you can have a chance in the first team.

"But first you need to think about your team, about where you are, and then if you have your chance, try to do your best."

The 18-year-old Spaniard went on to hail the possession-based playing style brought to the club by former Swansea boss Rodgers.

He added: "What he wants to do is play in a different way to the English teams. I think it’s positive for England. It’s good for the young players."

Whilst Teixeira continued: "We try a possession style and we always play like that in our countries so we are used to that."

Both players had to contend with lengthy injury lay-offs following their moves to Merseyside, and Nacho praised the club's medical team for helping him to overcome that setback.

He said: "It was difficult last year because I had an injury on my shoulder and Joao had a back [problem]. [But] they always say to us we need to stay calm because our opportunity will come. It’s hard when you get an injury and come back to get fit."

Teixeira, who only made his Under-21s debut in October 2012 due to his battle with a back issue, added: "I was in a great moment in Sporting Lisbon and I came here and they found a fracture on my back.

"I had to start a six-month [rehabilitation] and it was hard because when I play I want to show [my best] and I was injured for six months.

"I’m feeling much better now physically and mentally I’m always okay to play and I will do my best."

The pair were speaking at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, which representatives of the club's youth team visit on a monthly basis.

And Nacho expressed pride at being able to take part, saying: "I think it’s a really nice thing to do because we are representing the club.

"We want to do as good as possible and it’s nice to see the kids and see what’s happening with them and to make them feel better."

Teixeira also explained: "It’s really good for the club. We are representing the club and we show that the club supports the hospitals and the community work so it’s really good."